Russia & Ex-Soviets

The Old Continent’s Road to Ruin (Through Moscow)

by Don Quijones • Aug 7, 2014 • 6 Comments

Who will fold first? That’s the question in the escalating trade war that has already hit European and Russian companies and their economies.

Russia Sanctions Exact Their Pound of Flesh – from Germany

by Wolf Richter • Aug 4, 2014 • 4 Comments

The powerful engine that is supposed to pull Europe out of its quagmire? It stalls as the sanctions hit. The “disaster of 2008” is evoked, then hastily denied.

Sanction Spiral Successful: German Exports to Russia Plunge

by Wolf Richter • Jul 29, 2014 • 1 Comment

European Council President Van Rompuy had a dream: the sanctions “should have a strong impact on Russia’s economy” but only “a moderate effect on EU economies.”

Saber-Rattling Between Japan, China, and RUSSIA of all things Hits Record

by Wolf Richter • Jul 9, 2014 • Comments Off on Saber-Rattling Between Japan, China, and RUSSIA of all things Hits Record

The Japanese Defense Ministry refused to speculate why Russian activity had suddenly soared, just when both countries are trying to hash out a mega-energy deal.

‘Steal Less, Invest More’ Advised At Ukrainian Energy Forum

by Oilprice.com • Jun 26, 2014 • Comments Off on ‘Steal Less, Invest More’ Advised At Ukrainian Energy Forum

Steal less, invest more, run a fair game, and sell off the pipeline system that Moscow is using to keep Ukraine in line — energy experts at a forum in Kiev.

In Search Of Russia’s Lost Fracking Boom

by Oilprice.com • Jun 19, 2014 • Comments Off on In Search Of Russia’s Lost Fracking Boom

Gazprom’s mega-deal with China sent shockwaves around the world. But Gazprom might not be able to honor the deal if shale reserves are not tapped soon. And that might not happen because capitalism à la russe is a harsh mistress.

Putin: “We Have to Think About How to Take this Money”

by Wolf Richter • Jun 14, 2014 • Comments Off on Putin: “We Have to Think About How to Take this Money”

Putin’s wicket smile as sanction spiral causes oligarchs to fret about their offshore moolah.

Giant Sucking Sound: Russian Money Yanked From US Banks

by Wolf Richter • Jun 5, 2014 • Comments Off on Giant Sucking Sound: Russian Money Yanked From US Banks

Russians learned a lesson in Cyprus: don’t wait till your money gets confiscated.

Exxon, BP Defy Obama; Extend Partnership with Russia

by Oilprice.com • May 27, 2014 • Comments Off on Exxon, BP Defy Obama; Extend Partnership with Russia

ExxonMobil, BP, Total, and other oil majors are doubling down in Russia despite moves by the West to isolate Russia; they just signed mega-contracts with state-owned Russian oil companies – sanctions be damned.